Many have heard by now of the great win of Appalachian State University Mountaineers over the University of Michigan Wolverines. Ap. State is the reigning National Champion of Division 1-AA (Back-to-Back Champions, mind you) and a formidable adversary, but way over their head going against the #5 team in Division 1-A. This small football team from Boone, NC entered an arena where 109,000 people were waiting in expectancy to watch them lose? Well, at least 100,000 because it couldn’t have been more than 9,000 there that felt they could win. Also, do you realize this Division 1-AA team entered an arena that had 8 times more people than the population of the town where their University is based? However, they went there and conquered! But, that is not the real story.
Did you know that Coach Jerry Moore is a sold-out, born again, Jesus loving, committed Christian that is a member of a Southern Baptist Church in Boone, NC? Coach Moore is a member of Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Boone, NC. This is the church that Brother Alan Blume pastors, the same Alan Blume that served as chairperson of the Committee on the Order of Business for the past two SBC Conventions. However, the real story is described by Dr. Michael Blackwell, President of the Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina. Dr. Blackwell reported this on Norman Jameson’s blog. Read it and enjoy.
I had the privilege of preaching at Mount Vernon the morning after the amazing ASU win over Michigan Who?? Coach Moore didn’t arrive back in Boone until 1:30 a.m. Sunday morning, yet he was in attendance at Mount Vernon’s 9 a.m. service. Spending time with him was an affirmation of his strong Christian faith. Even though the members (and many guests) wildly applauded when Pastor Blume mentioned that he was there, it was obvious that Coach Moore was gracious in victory, though thrilled that he had made ASU and Boone the epi-center of the sports world AROUND THE WORLD! Jerry Moore is not only a winning coach; he is the epitome of a Christian gentleman.
What a great day to be living in North Carolina. This is just one reason I like Calling North Carolina Home.
:>)
